SKY’S THE LIMIT
Ali tots up air miles to add value for Morgan
MOEEN ALI became the invisible man after playing only two days of cricket in three months.
But white-ball skipper Eoin Morgan insists he remains an “extremely valuable” asset as the ODI World Cup holders begin the final leg of their winter odyssey in Pune today.
Moeen had spent more hours in the air than on the pitch in 2021 – and when he did return for the T20 series, he failed to take the field as England went down 3-2.
Now the absence of World Cup winners Joe Root, Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer from the three-match one-day series should clear the way for Moeen to finally get his chance.
After that he signs off for £800,000 assignment at the IPL.
Morgan revealed England’s spare man had taken the rough and the smooth – mainly rough – in his stride, saying: “The little period Mo spent at home before the series has done him the world of good.
“He’s come back refreshed, with plenty of energy. He is a very relaxed guy.
“Is he still a valuable white-ball player for England? Anybody who is an all-rounder within the side and makes our squad is extremely valuable. I know he has not played but that is circumstantial.
“The pitches we have played on have not turned, and that limits an the amount a finger spinner’s contribution might make.
“But every game we went to, Moeen was considered. It was not a matter of sticking with a consistent playing XI.”
The Sri Lankan leg of England’s expedition to the subcontinent was a write-off after Moeen contracted Covid and was required to quarantine for 13 days.
Overlooked for the stunning 227-run first Test win against India in Chennai, set up by Root’s double hundred, he took eight wickets and top scored with a violent 43 off 18 balls in the farcical two-day sequel.
Complying with England’s roster for rest and rotation, he flew home for the second half of the series in Ahmedabad.
Morgan admitted Root’s absence in the ODI series against India this week leaves a “massive hole” in their top order.
The Test captain, who averages 50.1 and has made 16 centuries in 149 matches in the one-day format, has not returned to Asia for the final leg of three games in six days.
Morgan said: “Losing Joe leaves a massive hole for a guy who scores at a run a ball and averages 50. He’s an exceptional player and has been for a long time.
“We will miss him but it’s just got to be a matter of somebody slotting in at No.3 and going about it in their own business.”